If I was to tell you that my mornings' activities so far involved being drop-kicked, bitten, turned into a zombie, and having a sheep thrown at me, you may be concerned – either for my physical well-being or for my sanity. But the truth is that all these things could well be part of my daily routine, thanks to the delights of ‘Facebook’. This is just one of several websites, that helps you get in touch with and chat to friends online. It’s all part of a new trend called ‘social networking’. And so many people are signed up that it makes virtual biting and sheep-throwing, the modern equivalent of saying ‘I’m thinking of you.’
So, what does ‘social networking’ via the web, say about us?
Well, some of us are just nosy and joining a network enables us to eavesdrop on other people’s conversations. Some of us are shy, and have at last found an ideal, easy forum for being sociable.
I think for me, what’s most attractive about it, is the ability to re-create community. Since leaving school I’ve kept in touch with a whole two school friends. That means that when I head home, I know my parents…and my brother…and the parents of the two friends. Basically there’s no sense of community for me there.
And yet in the last few weeks I’ve met up with 10 or so of my school mates via the internet. Now I don’t mean we’ve seen each other in person…we probably never will…but it’s great to hear from them…and just to know they’re there. There’s something about old friends which gives a sense of rootedness – a connection with the past, and with the journey of life. When people were less mobile, and spent their whole life in the same town, seeing the same people, not being connected to one’s past would have been impossible! But for many people today, it’s a fact of life.
One of my favourite passages of scripture is from the book of Isaiah, where God says ‘you, whom I have carried since the womb…until your old age I shall be the same.’
Who are we aware of journeying through life with? For some of us, it may be God. For others, it may be those who live on our street. And for an increasing number it may be the rekindled friendships that have come courtesy of the internet! Do they know we appreciate the invaluable quality their constancy brings to our lives? Lets make sure they do – whether that means saying a prayer, giving them a call…or, as is the new fangled way, throwing them a virtual sheep.
This contribution was broadcast on Radio Two and was written and presented by Emily Davis.
